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Integrated health and development in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh Trying to improve the health of impoverished villagers in India is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to others today. Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh are very poor states in India. Many of the villagers do not have safe drinking water, proper housing, or enough food, and 45% live below the poverty line. Malaria and malnutrition are major health problems. Within these two states, our Sisters have been involved in the areas of Roshni and Selud for 25 years, and in Khandwa for 5 years. Thirteen Medical Mission Sisters are serving in health related activities in these areas, especially with the impoverished dalits and tribal people. Clinics, nutrition programs, medical camps, self-help groups, development of local leadership, health teaching, and children’s programs are all part of our mission with the villagers. Sister Augustina Azhakathu shares, “In villages where we have intervened, there is a marked improvement in the health situation of the people.” In 2009, with the assistance of a generous donor, our Sisters were able to expand their efforts. Antenatal care was one of the priorities for the Clinic in Selud. In Roshni and Khandwa, the main illnesses treated were malaria, anemia, skin problems and scabies, pneumonia, diarrhea, vomiting and other water born diseases, epilepsy, and eye problems. Sister Mary Joseph Pullattu says, “We reached out to anemic and malnourished children and anemic mothers through clinic and outreach programs…along with the treatment for their ailments, high protein mix, tonic and vitamins were given for the children. 500 malnourished children and 80 mothers were cared for through this program.” Local women were trained to prepare the high protein health mix. Herbal preparations are made and used in the Clinics. Oils and ointments for skin problems, tonics for general health, and herbal preparations for epilepsy are becoming increasing popular, with positive results seen in patients. Programs have been held for people who are interested in learning more about herbal medicine.
The self-help and leadership groups were strengthened in the past year, with training on income generation programs and ongoing leadership skills. Animators were selected in the villages to conduct health education programs, and also to assist in check-ups for children under five, adolescent health education for girls, and reaching out to physically challenged children and elderly people who have no one to care for them. February 15, 2010
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